William Mickle Poems

William Mickle's father was the minister of Langholm, Dumfries-shire. Mickle was educated in Edinburgh.

When he was fifteen he entered the brewery business. His father bought the business and when he passed away Mickle inherited it. His devotion to literature though kept him away from business matters leading him to bankruptcy.

In 1763 he went to London. Two years later he published a poem called The Concubine

He joined the Clarendon Press as a corrector.

Mickle translated The Lusiad of Camoens into couplets. The whole work was published in 1775. His reputation and fame grew with this translation.
He was appointed secretary to Commodore ... more »

William Julius Mickle is my 7th G/uncle and his name was originally Meikle. His father, Rev. Archibald was brother to my 7th G/grandfather Robert Meikle. Perhaps it is he who I get my writing of poems from as no-one else in my family writes!

There's Nae Luck About The House

And are ye sure the news is true?And are ye sure he's weel?Is this a time to think o' wark?Mak haste, lay by your wheel;Is this the time to spin a threadWhen Colin's at the door?Reach me my cloak, I'll to the quayAnd see him come ashore.For there's nae luck about the house,There's nae luck at a',There's little pleasure in the houseWhen our gudeman's awa.